Makongeni, Makadara Constituency: A Comprehensive Area Analysis.
Makongeni, located within Makadara Constituency in Nairobi County, represents a significant urban settlement with a rich historical background and ongoing development initiatives. This report examines the area’s key characteristics, property market trends, and infrastructure developments as of April 2025.
No properties found in this location.
Historical Background and Demographics.
Makongeni estate was established in 1937 as one of the first planned housing developments east of what was then called the ‘Native Stadium’ (now Nairobi’s City Stadium). Originally constructed by Concrete Utilities Ltd on approximately 140 acres, Makongeni was designed as temporary housing for African bachelors working for the East African Railways & Harbours (now Kenya Railways). The estate, popularly known as ‘Okongo,’ was initially not intended for family setups but rather as bachelor quarters.
Demographically, Makongeni forms part of Makadara Constituency, which comprises several sub-locations including Harambee, Lumumba, Hamza, Ofafa, Mbotela, Makongeni, Kaloleni, Industrial Area, and Nairobi South. The area is cosmopolitan with a strong presence of Kikuyu, Luyha, and Luo communities. Historically, this area was significant as it hosted nationalist meetings during Kenya’s independence movement, with the famous Makadara Hall serving as a gathering place for prominent political figures such as Tom Mboya and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Real Estate Market Analysis.
Houses & Apartments for Sale and Rent in Makongeni-Housing Prices and Availability.
The housing market in Makongeni and surrounding areas in Makadara Constituency shows significant investment potential. Property values in the broader area have seen steady appreciation, with apartment blocks along Jogoo Road, which borders Makongeni, valued between KSh 35-40 million as of recent listings. These primarily consist of rental units catering to the middle-income segment of Nairobi’s population.
Studio apartments have emerged as an investment opportunity in the Makongeni area, with prices starting from around KSh 3 million, although availability remains limited compared to other parts of Nairobi. The original housing units, which featured walls made of “thrice-ply woven papyrus mats with bituminised hessian on forest pole framing,” have largely been replaced or upgraded over the decades.
Eighth Acre Plots for Sale in Makongeni-Land Prices and Investment Opportunities.
Land prices in Makadara Constituency, including Makongeni, have appreciated considerably. While specific data for Makongeni itself is limited in the search results, the broader area shows strong demand for both residential and commercial land. The strategic location near the Industrial Area and proximity to the central business district makes it valuable for development.
It’s worth noting that there appears to be another location called Makongeni in Thika, Kiambu County, where residential plots (40×80) are priced around KSh 700,000 to 750,000, and commercial plots (1/4-acre) in the BAT area of Thika are valued at approximately KSh 8,500,000. However, land prices in Makongeni, Makadara would likely be higher given its proximity to Nairobi’s CBD.
Recent Infrastructure Development.
Road Improvement Projects.
Significant road infrastructure improvements are underway in Makongeni. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has initiated two major projects:
- Improvement of Makongeni Estate Roads Lot 1, under tender No. KURA/DEV/HQ/368/2024-2025.
- Improvement of Makongeni Estate Roads Lot 2, under tender No. KURA/DEV/HQ/341/2024-2025.
These projects fall under Kenya’s “Transforming Urban Mobility” initiative and are expected to significantly enhance accessibility and property values in the area. The improved road network will likely catalyze further development and increase property values in Makongeni.
Affordable Housing Program.
Perhaps the most significant development in Makongeni is the implementation of the Affordable Housing Program (AHP). The Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development has issued tenders for:
- The Makongeni AHP Project Phase 1A in Makadara Constituency.
- The Makongeni AHP Project Phase 1B in Makadara Constituency, which plans to develop 3,111 housing units with associated social amenities and infrastructure.
These projects represent a major government investment in addressing housing shortages while transforming the urban landscape of Makongeni. The development will likely include various housing typologies catering to different income segments, potentially ranging from studio apartments to multi-bedroom units.
Public Transport Infrastructure.
Plans are underway to improve public transport facilities in Makongeni. Specifically, phase two of the Makongeni Bus Park development is expected to commence, which will include upgrading existing small-scale trader facilities to modern kiosks. This follows the successful tarmacking of the bus park completed in January 2014.
This development aligns with broader initiatives in Kiambu County and other areas to construct and rehabilitate bus parks, complete with walkways and storm water drains to improve urban mobility and reduce congestion.
Future Outlook and Development Prospects.
Makongeni’s future development trajectory appears positive, driven by both public and private investments. The combination of road improvements, affordable housing initiatives, and enhanced public transport facilities positions Makongeni for significant urban renewal.
The area’s historical significance, coupled with its strategic location near the Industrial Area and proximity to the CBD, makes it an attractive location for both residential and commercial development. As infrastructure improves, property values are likely to appreciate further, potentially making Makongeni an increasingly desirable middle-income residential area.
Conclusion
Makongeni in Makadara Constituency represents a dynamic urban area undergoing significant transformation. From its humble beginnings as railway worker housing to the current ambitious development projects, the area exemplifies Nairobi’s urban evolution. The ongoing infrastructure investments, particularly in roads and affordable housing, signal the government’s commitment to improving living conditions and economic opportunities in this historically significant part of Nairobi. For investors, residents, and policymakers, understanding these developments provides valuable insights into the future of this important urban community.
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